starsineyes96

I’ve wanted my tongue pierced since I was like 14. There was no sexual connotation for me, I just wanted it done just because. I’m not into eyebrow piercings, didn’t care to have my nose pierced, and I would have my lip pierced but probably won’t ever do it.

So, anyway, here we are nine years later, and I finally decided I was going to go do it. I researched the procedure and healing process on Google, and once I felt I was fully prepared, I made an appointment at a highly recommended tattoo/piercing parlor and went for it.

I had a few brief moments of “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.” But, like I said, I’m glad I did it.

The actual piercing of the tongue was fast. I think the longest part was being informed on how to clean and care for the tongue while it healed. The rest of that day was fine, with little pain and swelling, but the second and third days were the worst.

Once you get past Day Two and Three of the healing process, the swelling and pain should start to diminish. On the fifth day, I returned to my piercer, and she replaced the “swell bar” with a barbell that was an 1/8th of an inch shorter, and it made a WORLD of difference in my ability to talk and eat.

I think it was totally worth it, but if you do decide to get your tongue pierced, be prepared to:
Research body piercing parlors in your area, and look for ones that have a good reputation. (Do not go anywhere that is shady or is “a friend of a friend” that will do it real cheap. Ask them to show you the needles, and read the packaging on the needle and clamp to be sure it is sterilized [the package will say something to the effect of “if this is a sterile product, the color of the arrows will be pink”.] If they are using a gun to pierce your tongue, leave immediately. Guns cannot be sterilized, and it puts you at risk for an infection!)
Have trouble talking normally until the barbell is switched out.
Have trouble eating normally until the swelling goes down and the jewelry is switched.
Not be able to drink coffee or other hot drinks for several days.
Not be able to eat spicy, salty, or acidic foods for several days.
To have to swish your mouth with a saline solution several times a day and after meals.
To have to buy a new toothbrush or sterilize your old one.
To have to possibly return to your piercer so he/she can change your jewelry to the shorter barbell.
To not be able to change your jewelry until the entire healing process is over: 60 days.